Caroline Goodman-Thomases, 30, and James McKenna, 41, at their farm in Clinton Corners Oct. 2, 2018. The couple is transforming the historic farm that sat abandoned for many years, completely overgrown and falling apart. They have been painstakingly restoring the horse farm to it's original beauty and are opening it up as Thomases Equestrian for lessons, training and boarding.(Photo11: Tania Savayan/The Journal News)

Story Highlights

She is a competitive equestrian who grew up in Rockland. He grew up on a cattle farm in Ireland.

The drive to 302 Pumpkin Lane in Clinton Corners is not unlike the drive down similar roads in this area of Dutchess County — it's a trip along a narrow, winding road that meanders up and down and around bends that reveal glimpses of farm fields and pastures, sprawling homes and cottages, and horses grazing under the blazing reds and oranges of autumn leaves.

For Caroline Goodman-Thomases and James McKenna, getting here was something of a love story.

She is a competitive equestrian, horse owner and actress who grew up in Rockland County; he's a contractor who grew up on a family-owned cattle farm in Tyrone, Ireland, then arrived in the U.S. to play Gaelic football.

They met in Nyack.

But after working the daily grind and renting homes and stall space, the couple longed to ditch the hustle of suburbia for something more pastoral and permanent.

"I wanted to be somewhere I could listen to the birds," says McKenna.

'Looked like a haunted house'

Idly, the couple started scanning real estate ads for properties where Goodman-Thomases could ride and train horses, and McKenna could put his skills to work on a fixer-upper.

They found both in the beautiful but neglected farm at 302 Pumpkin Lane.

The nearly 40-acre property had been unoccupied for years following the tragic death of the previous owner.

"There was five years of undergrowth all around here," says McKenna, pointing to a cleared area in front of the freshly painted barn with its bright red doors. "There were broken windows and birds swooping around inside the barns."

"It looked like a haunted house," says Goodman-Thomases.

But there was something about the property and its acres of verdant paddocks and pastures that appealed to them.

So they kept coming back.

"We kept driving up and driving past this place," she says.

Retired racehorse in the barn

The main barn had ample stall space and a solid brick floor; it had what a Realtor would term "good bones" and what the couple could see as absolute potential. The property also included a 1700s-era farmhouse, a second neglected barn and an immense, heated indoor riding ring with a viewing space, office and a few stalls.

James McKenna greets Nola after Caroline Goodman-Thomases went for a ride in the arena at their farm in Clinton Corners Oct. 2, 2018. The couple is transforming the historic farm that sat abandoned for many years, completely overgrown and falling apart. They have have been painstakingly restoring the horse farm to it's original beauty and are opening it up as Thomases Equestrian for lessons, training and boarding.(Photo11: Tania Savayan/The Journal News)

Several other properties they saw were more updated, but McKenna says, "it's not your own work; with this place, we could make it exactly what we wanted.

"We like a challenge," he added.

But it's no weekend getaway for this couple. They've started Thomases Equestrian on their farm, specializing in boarding, lessons and training. The emphasis is on equitation, jumping and dressage.

It brings Goodman-Thomases back to her first love. She got her first horse as a girl and has ridden ever since, boarding horses near her home in Nyack, but she'd always dreamed of keeping them on her own property. "So I could just walk out and see them whenever I wanted," she says.

The restored barn at Thomases Equestrian in Clinton Corners Oct. 2, 2018. Caroline Goodman-Thomases, 30, and James McKenna, 41, are transforming an historic farm that sat abandoned for many years, completely overgrown and falling apart. The couple have been painstakingly restoring the horse farm to it's original beauty and are opening it up for lessons, training and boarding.(Photo11: Tania Savayan/The Journal News)

As the dream grew, so did the number of horses.

"I definitely have a growing horse obsession," she says with a laugh, showing off seven horses in the barn.

"That's Paddington," Goodman-Thomases says of a curious chestnut horse. "I have had him since I was 12 years old." Across the barn, is Nola, a retired racehorse

On a brisk autumn day, the barn is cozy and warm, permeated with the smell of hay and the sounds of stamping of hooves, as Jonesy, the couple's rescue dog, scampers in and out.

Jonesy plays fetch with his owners at their farm in Clinton Corners Oct. 2, 2018. Caroline Goodman-Thomases, 30, and James McKenna, 41, are transforming an historic farm that sat abandoned for many years, completely overgrown and falling apart. The couple have been painstakingly restoring the horse farm to it's original beauty and are opening it up for lessons, training and boarding.(Photo11: Tania Savayan/The Journal News)

Just out the door and down a hill is an outdoor riding arena, surrounded by fields, forest and rolling hills, yet the farm is just a short drive from the Taconic Parkway.

'Stung by bees, gotten poison ivy'

The couple say they worked every day since closing on the farm in May, putting in countless hours of sweat equity, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

First there was repairing the broken windows in the barn and creating an office space for their business in front. The stalls needed repair as did the brick floor; the roof had to be patched; the cedar siding on the massive indoor ring had to be restained and the interior, the victim of years of bird inhabitation, power washed, all things McKenna did himself while taking off the three months from working other jobs in Rockland County.

The couple have a second barn, also in need of some love, but say they haven't quite come up with a plan for it just yet.

"It's helpful that I have the knowledge for it," McKenna says of doing the repairs. "But there's nothing nice about it; I've gotten stung by bees, gotten poison ivy."

James McKenna works on the barn at his farm in Clinton Corners Oct. 2, 2018. McKenna, 41, and Caroline Goodman-Thomases, 30, are transforming the historic farm that sat abandoned for many years, completely overgrown and falling apart. The couple have been painstakingly restoring the horse farm to it's original beauty and are opening it up as Thomases Equestrian for lessons, training and boarding.(Photo11: Tania Savayan/The Journal News)

Goodman-Thomases is used to it. Although she took a break for a few years to work with fellow Rocklanders, the late Jonathan Demme and Kristi Zea on film projects — she acted in "Rachel's Getting Married" and produced "Everyone Knows Elizabeth Murray," which starred Meryl Streep, a graduate of Vassar College in Poughkeepsie — she's been working on horse farms since she was 12 years old. ​During her college years, she was a member of the Bard College equestrian team.

On Pumpkin Lane, she can ride every day.

'All this beauty all around you'

The couple's property offers easy access to the Willowbrook Trail Association trails and they live just across the road in a house that dates to 1790.

It had been a dairy farm back in the day and was added onto, said Goodman-Thomases. The home has many period details, such as hand-hewn wood beams, wide plank floors and its original front door. The farm itself was used as a tannery by its original owner Zadock Southwick, and later as a breeding operation for race horses.

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Caroline Goodman-Thomases rides Nola on her farm in Clinton Corners Oct. 2, 2018. Goodman-Thomases, 30, and James McKenna, 41, are transforming the historic farm that sat abandoned for many years, completely overgrown and falling apart. The couple have been painstakingly restoring the horse farm to it's original beauty and are opening it up as Thomases Equestrian for lessons, training and boarding. Tania Savayan/The Journal News

James McKenna greets Nola after Caroline Goodman-Thomases went for a ride in the arena at their farm in Clinton Corners Oct. 2, 2018. The couple is transforming the historic farm that sat abandoned for many years, completely overgrown and falling apart. They have have been painstakingly restoring the horse farm to it's original beauty and are opening it up as Thomases Equestrian for lessons, training and boarding. Tania Savayan/The Journal News

Caroline Goodman-Thomases rides Nola on her farm in Clinton Corners Oct. 2, 2018. Goodman-Thomases, 30, and James McKenna, 41, are transforming the historic farm that sat abandoned for many years, completely overgrown and falling apart. The couple have been painstakingly restoring the horse farm to it's original beauty and are opening it up as Thomases Equestrian for lessons, training and boarding. Tania Savayan/The Journal News

A sign for Thomases Equestrian in Clinton Corners Oct. 2, 2018. Caroline Goodman-Thomases, 30, and James McKenna, 41, are transforming an historic farm that sat abandoned for many years, completely overgrown and falling apart. The couple have been painstakingly restoring the horse farm to it's original beauty and are opening it up for lessons, training and boarding. Tania Savayan/The Journal News

Horses in the barn at Thomases Equestrian in Clinton Corners Oct. 2, 2018. Caroline Goodman-Thomases, 30, and James McKenna, 41, are transforming an historic farm that sat abandoned for many years, completely overgrown and falling apart. The couple have been painstakingly restoring the horse farm to it's original beauty and are opening it up for lessons, training and boarding. Tania Savayan/The Journal News

Caroline Goodman-Thomases, 30, and James McKenna, 41, at their farm in Clinton Corners Oct. 2, 2018. The couple is transforming the historic farm that sat abandoned for many years, completely overgrown and falling apart. They have been painstakingly restoring the horse farm to it's original beauty and are opening it up as Thomases Equestrian for lessons, training and boarding. Tania Savayan/The Journal News

The restored barn at Thomases Equestrian in Clinton Corners Oct. 2, 2018. Caroline Goodman-Thomases, 30, and James McKenna, 41, are transforming an historic farm that sat abandoned for many years, completely overgrown and falling apart. The couple have been painstakingly restoring the horse farm to it's original beauty and are opening it up for lessons, training and boarding. Tania Savayan/The Journal News

Jonesy plays fetch with his owners at their farm in Clinton Corners Oct. 2, 2018. Caroline Goodman-Thomases, 30, and James McKenna, 41, are transforming an historic farm that sat abandoned for many years, completely overgrown and falling apart. The couple have been painstakingly restoring the horse farm to it's original beauty and are opening it up for lessons, training and boarding. Tania Savayan/The Journal News

James McKenna works on the barn at his farm in Clinton Corners Oct. 2, 2018. McKenna, 41, and Caroline Goodman-Thomases, 30, are transforming the historic farm that sat abandoned for many years, completely overgrown and falling apart. The couple have been painstakingly restoring the horse farm to it's original beauty and are opening it up as Thomases Equestrian for lessons, training and boarding. Tania Savayan/The Journal News

Caroline Goodman-Thomases rides Nola on her farm in Clinton Corners Oct. 2, 2018. Goodman-Thomases, 30, and James McKenna, 41, are transforming the historic farm that sat abandoned for many years, completely overgrown and falling apart. The couple have been painstakingly restoring the horse farm to it's original beauty and are opening it up as Thomases Equestrian for lessons, training and boarding. Tania Savayan/The Journal News

Caroline Goodman-Thomases prepares Nola for a ride on her farm in Clinton Corners Oct. 2, 2018. Goodman-Thomases, 30, and James McKenna, 41, are transforming the historic farm that sat abandoned for many years, completely overgrown and falling apart. The couple have been painstakingly restoring the horse farm to it's original beauty and are opening it up as Thomases Equestrian for lessons, training and boarding. Tania Savayan/The Journal News

A drawing of her future barn by young Caroline Goodman-Thomases hangs in the barn on her farm in Clinton Corners Oct. 2, 2018. Goodman-Thomases, 30, and James McKenna, 41, are transforming the historic farm that sat abandoned for many years, completely overgrown and falling apart. The couple have been painstakingly restoring the horse farm to it's original beauty and are opening it up as Thomases Equestrian for lessons, training and boarding. Tania Savayan/The Journal News

Caroline Goodman-Thomases rides in the arena on her farm in Clinton Corners Oct. 2, 2018. Goodman-Thomases, 30, and James McKenna, 41, are transforming the historic farm that sat abandoned for many years, completely overgrown and falling apart. The couple have been painstakingly restoring the horse farm to it's original beauty and are opening it up as Thomases Equestrian for lessons, training and boarding. Tania Savayan/The Journal News

A horse looks out the barn at Thomases Equestrian in Clinton Corners Oct. 2, 2018. Caroline Goodman-Thomases, 30, and James McKenna, 41, are transforming an historic farm that sat abandoned for many years, completely overgrown and falling apart. The couple have been painstakingly restoring the horse farm to it's original beauty and are opening it up for lessons, training and boarding. Tania Savayan/The Journal News

Caroline Goodman-Thomases prepares for a ride with Nola on her farm in Clinton Corners Oct. 2, 2018. Goodman-Thomases, 30, and James McKenna, 41, are transforming the historic farm that sat abandoned for many years, completely overgrown and falling apart. The couple have been painstakingly restoring the horse farm to it's original beauty and are opening it up as Thomases Equestrian for lessons, training and boarding. Tania Savayan/The Journal News

The home on the property of Caroline Goodman-Thomases, 30, and James McKenna, 41, in Clinton Corners Oct. 2, 2018. The couple is transforming an historic farm that sat abandoned for many years, completely overgrown and falling apart. The couple have been painstakingly restoring the horse farm to it's original beauty and are opening it up for lessons, training and boarding. Tania Savayan/The Journal News

Caroline Goodman-Thomases, 30, and James McKenna, 41, at their farm in Clinton Corners Oct. 2, 2018. The couple is transforming the historic farm that sat abandoned for many years, completely overgrown and falling apart. They have been painstakingly restoring the horse farm to it's original beauty and are opening it up as Thomases Equestrian for lessons, training and boarding. Tania Savayan/The Journal News

Caroline Goodman-Thomases rides Nola on her farm in Clinton Corners Oct. 2, 2018. Goodman-Thomases, 30, and James McKenna, 41, are transforming the historic farm that sat abandoned for many years, completely overgrown and falling apart. The couple have been painstakingly restoring the horse farm to it's original beauty and are opening it up as Thomases Equestrian for lessons, training and boarding. Tania Savayan/The Journal News

Caroline Goodman-Thomases rides in the arena on her farm in Clinton Corners Oct. 2, 2018. Goodman-Thomases, 30, and James McKenna, 41, are transforming the historic farm that sat abandoned for many years, completely overgrown and falling apart. The couple have been painstakingly restoring the horse farm to it's original beauty and are opening it up as Thomases Equestrian for lessons, training and boarding. Tania Savayan/The Journal News

Caroline Goodman-Thomases rides Nola on her farm in Clinton Corners Oct. 2, 2018. Goodman-Thomases, 30, and James McKenna, 41, are transforming the historic farm that sat abandoned for many years, completely overgrown and falling apart. The couple have been painstakingly restoring the horse farm to it's original beauty and are opening it up as Thomases Equestrian for lessons, training and boarding. Tania Savayan/The Journal News

These days, it's prime horse country, with many farms and weekenders who ride. "Every time I go into Millbrook, I run into people in their riding clothes," says Goodman.

The location offers an ideal customer base for those who are looking to board, take lessons or get professional coaching. They welcome and encourage all comers, no matter the skill level.

"Even if you have never been on a horse, ride every day or just haven't ridden in 20 years, we can help you start your riding career or take you and your horse to the next level," says Goodman-Thomases.

The couple even offers yoga classes for equestrians, on occasion, and has hopes to expand their offerings.

Caroline Goodman-Thomases rides Nola on her farm in Clinton Corners Oct. 2, 2018. Goodman-Thomases, 30, and James McKenna, 41, are transforming the historic farm that sat abandoned for many years, completely overgrown and falling apart. The couple have been painstakingly restoring the horse farm to it's original beauty and are opening it up as Thomases Equestrian for lessons, training and boarding.(Photo11: Tania Savayan/The Journal News)

But ultimately, there is another draw for them: It's a good life.

"There is peace and quiet, and there is all this beauty all around you," says McKenna, before heading up a ladder to fix a loose board on the barn. "I never get tired of it."

Added Goodman-Thomases: "This is my original passion in life, and something I've dreamed of since I was 5-years-old."